Cooking device and components thereof

ABSTRACT

A cooking system includes a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone and at least one heating element associated with said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone. The cooking system is operable in a synchronized mode, and in said synchronized mode a first cooking operation performed in said first cooking zone and a second cooking operation performed in said second cooking zone are synchronized to be completed simultaneously.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a cooking system, and more specifically, to a countertop cooking system operable in a plurality of distinct cooking modes.

Cooking systems such as air fryers are growing in popularity because they cook food very quickly and provide crispy results. However, the small size of a countertop air fryer limits the amount of food that a user can prepare at a time. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an air fryer having multiple cooking zones that allows a user to simultaneously cook foods at different temperatures and for different lengths of time.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone and at least one heating element associated with said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone. The cooking system is operable in a synchronized mode, and in said synchronized mode a first cooking operation performed in said first cooking zone and a second cooking operation performed in said second cooking zone are synchronized to be completed simultaneously.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in said synchronized mode, said first cooking operation is initiated prior to said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a time required to perform said first cooking operation is longer than a time required to perform said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said second cooking operation is initiated when a remaining time of said first cooking operation is equal to said time required to perform said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a time required to perform said first cooking operation is different than a time required to perform said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising at least one air movement mechanism disposed in said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a motor operable to rotate said air movement mechanism about an axis of rotation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motor is located at least partially external to at least one of said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a first air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said first cooking zone and a second air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said second cooking zone.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motor includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft, said first air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said first output shaft and said second air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said second output shaft.

According to another embodiment. a cooking system includes a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone and at least one heating element associated with said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone. The cooking system is operable in a match mode, and in said match mode a user input for a first cooking operation performed in said first cooking zone will automatically be implemented for a second cooking operation performed in said second cooking.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in said match mode, one or more parameters of said second cooking operation are copied from said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in said match mode said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation are initiated simultaneously and are completed simultaneously.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising at least one air movement mechanism disposed in said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a motor operable to rotate said at least one air movement mechanism about an axis of rotation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motor is located at least partially external to at least one of said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a first air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said first cooking zone and a second air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said second cooking zone.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motor includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft, said first air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said first output shaft and said second air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said second output shaft.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said at least one heating element is a first heating element operable to heat said first cooking zone and a second heating element operable to heat said second cooking zone.

According to another embodiment, a method of operating a cooking system includes selecting one or more parameters of a first cooking operation to be performed in a first cooking zone of the cooking system and selecting one or more parameters of a second cooking operation to be performed in a second cooking zone of the cooking system. A time required to perform said first cooking operation is greater than a time required to perform said second cooking operation. The method further including selecting operation of the cooking system in a synchronized mode and performing said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation such that said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation are synchronized to be completed simultaneously via said selecting of said synchronized mode.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments performing said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation further comprises initiating said first cooking operation prior to initiating said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments performing said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation further comprises pausing said second cooking operation until a remaining time of said first cooking operation is equal to said time required to perform said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments operation of the cooking system in said synchronized mode occurs prior to selecting said one or more parameters of said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments operation of the cooking system in said synchronized mode occurs prior to selecting said one or more parameters of said first cooking operation and selecting said one or more parameters of said second cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments selecting operation of the cooking system in said synchronized mode occurs prior to initiating said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation.

According to an embodiment, a method of operating a cooking system includes selecting one or more parameters of a first cooking operation to be performed in a first cooking zone of the cooking system, selecting operation of the cooking system in a match mode, and determining one or more parameters of a second cooking operation to be performed in a second cooking zone of the cooking system. The one or more parameters of said second cooking operation are copied from said one or more parameters of said first cooking operation via said selecting of said match mode.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments selecting operation of the cooking system in said match mode occurs prior to selecting said one or more parameters of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising selecting one or more initial parameters of a second cooking operation to be performed in said second cooking zone prior to selecting said operation of the cooking system in said match mode.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in response to said selecting said operation of the cooking system in said match mode, said one or more initial parameters of said second cooking operation are overwritten with said one or more parameters of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising performing said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation such that said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation are completed simultaneously.

According to another embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone and a first heating element associated with said first cooking zone and a second heating element associated with said second cooking zone. The cooking system is operable in a power synchronization mode where power is transferred from said first heating element to said second heating element at a desired stage of a cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said desired stage of a cooking operation is a heating operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cooking system is at said desired stage when said first cooking zone reaches a first predetermined temperature and said second cooking zone is below a second predetermined temperature.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at said desired stage of said cooking operation, said power provided to said second heating element is greater than said power provided to said first heating element.

According to another embodiment, a method of operating a cooking system includes selecting a parameter of a first cooking operation to be performed in a first cooking zone of the cooking system, selecting a parameter of a second cooking operation to be performed in a second cooking zone of the cooking system, providing power to a first heating element associated with said first cooking zone and to a second heating element associated with said second cooking zone, and transferring power from said first heating element to said second heating element at a desired stage of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said transferring available power from said first heating element to said second heating element occurs in response to said first cooking zone reaching said first parameter.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said parameter of said first cooking operation is a first temperature and said parameter of said second cooking operation is a second temperature.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said first temperature is lower than said second temperature.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in response to said transferring power from said first heating element to said second heating element, said power provided to said first heating element is less than said power provided to said second heating element.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at said desired stage of said first cooking operation said power of said first heating element is reduced to maintain a temperature within said first cooking zone.

According to yet another embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone and a first heating element operable to perform a first cooking operation in said first cooking zone and a second heating element operable to perform a second cooking operation in said second cooking zone. The cooking system is operable in a power synchronization mode, and in said power synchronization mode, a cooking time of said second cooking operation is adjustable in response to reaching a parameter of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said cooking time is reduced in response to said reaching said parameter of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said parameter of said first cooking operation is a selected temperature.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in response to said reaching said parameter of said first cooking operation, power is transferred from said first heating element to said second heating element.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of operating a cooking system includes initiating a first cooking operation in a first cooking zone of the cooking system, said first cooking operation having a first time associated therewith, initiating a second cooking operation in a second cooking zone of the cooking system, said second cooking operation having a second time associated therewith, and changing said second time in response to reaching a desired parameter of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said desired parameter is a first temperature of said first cooking zone.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said second time is reduced in response to said reaching said parameter of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising transferring power from said first heating element to said second heating element in response to said reaching said desired parameter of said first cooking operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in response to said transferring power from said first heating element to said second heating element, said power provided to said first heating element is less than said power provided to said second heating element.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a cooking temperature of said first cooking operation is less than a cooking temperature of said second cooking operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooking system having a cooking container installed therein according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cooking system of FIG. 1 absent the cooking container according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another cooking system absent the cooking container according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fan wheel of an air movement mechanism of the cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a control system of the cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portion of the cooking system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the portion of the cooking system of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the cooking system of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a motor of the cooking system of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the motor and the air movement mechanisms of the cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cooking system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cooking system of FIG. 13, with the cooking containers removed according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cooking system of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the cooking system in a synchronization mode according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the cooking system in a match mode according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the cooking system in a power synchronization mode according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the FIGS., an example of a cooking system is illustrated at numeral 20. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooking system 20 includes a housing 22 having a heat resistant or non-conductive exterior surface 24 and an interior surface 26 that defines an at least partially hollow compartment 28 arranged within an interior of the housing 22. The housing 22 may be formed as a single unitary body, or alternatively, may be formed by connecting a plurality of pieces together. In addition, the housing 22 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to glass, aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel for example. A liner 30 may be disposed within at least a portion of the housing 22. The liner 30 may be formed from any suitable conductive material, such as aluminum for example. In an embodiment, the liner 30 forms at least a portion of the interior surface 26 and thereby defines at least a portion of the internal compartment 28 of the housing 22. However, it should be understood that other components of the cooking system 20, or surfaces thereof, may also define the internal compartment 28.

A cooking container 32 is receivable within a portion of the internal compartment 28 of the housing 22, such as a bottom portion of the internal compartment 28 for example. Although the cooking container 32 is described herein as being separable from the housing 22, embodiments where the cooking container 32 is movably connected with or integrally formed with the housing 22 are also contemplated herein. The cooking container 32 may be a pot formed from a ceramic, metal, or die cast aluminum material. However, any suitable material capable of withstanding the high temperatures required for cooking food products are also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the cooking container 32 is configured to translate along an axis relative to the housing 22 such that the cooking container 32 is slidably received within the internal compartment 28 via an opening 34 formed in a wall 36 of the housing 22. Accordingly, in such embodiments, a size and shape of the cooking container 32 may be complementary to the size and shape of the opening 34. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the cooking container 32 is generally square in shape, such as from a plan view for example. However, in other embodiments, the cooking container 32 may have another configuration.

The cooking container 32 has a generally hollow interior 38 for supporting one or more consumable products, such as food products for example, therein. Examples of food products suitable for use with the cooking system 20, include but are not limited to, meats, fish, poultry, bread, rice, grains, pasta, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, among others.

At least one handle 40 may be associated with the cooking container 32 to allow a user to easily grasp and manipulate the cooking container 32 relative to the housing 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the cooking container 32 includes a single handle 40 extending from a first, front surface 42 of the cooking container 32. Although the cooking container 32 illustrated and described herein has a single handle 40, in other embodiments, the cooking container 32 may have two or more handles, or alternatively, a handle or groove formed into a surface of the cooking container 32. Any suitable configuration of the cooking container 32 and/or handle(s) 40 is within the scope of the disclosure. Further, the one or more handles 40 may be permanently affixed to or integrally formed with the cooking container 32, or alternatively, may be detachable therefrom.

One or more inserts or food support structures 50 may be positionable within the interior 38 of the cooking container 32. In such embodiments, the insert 50 provides a surface on which food is supported. An example of an insert 50 suitable for use with the cooking container 32 is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown, the insert 50 includes a solid blocking wall 52 and a food support surface 54 having a plurality of perforations or openings 56 formed therein. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the blocking wall 52 and the food support surface 54 are arranged generally perpendicular to one another. Although the insert 50 is shown as being an L-shaped plate, in other embodiments, the insert 50 may include additional side walls such that the insert 50 is a basket for example. When the insert 50 is installed within the interior 38 of the cooking container 32, the blocking wall 52 and the food support surface 54 of the insert 50 cooperate with one or more walls of the cooking container 32 to define an area there between referred to herein as a “cooking volume.” Further, in embodiments where an insert is not disposed within the cooking container 32, the interior 38 of the cooking container 32 may define the cooking volume.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32 is sloped relative to a bottom surface of the housing 22 or to a surface on which the cooking system 20 may be positioned and supported. As shown, the slope extends generally upwardly towards a front wall 60 of the cooking container 32. As a result, a height of the interior 38 of the cooking container 32 adjacent a back wall 62 is greater than a height of the interior 38 of the cooking container 32 adjacent the front wall 60 thereof. When the insert 50 is installed within the interior 38 of the cooking container 32, the food support surface 54 has a generally horizontal orientation. As shown, the insert 50 may include one or more protrusions 64, such as tabs for example, configured to contact the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32 to achieve this desired orientation. The food support surface 54 is therefore at least partially offset from the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32. Because of the angled configuration of the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32, the clearance 66 between the bottom surface 58 and the food support surface 54, varies, and more specifically, gradually decreases from a back to a front of the cooking container 32.

The insert 50 and the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32 may cooperate to properly position the insert 50 within the interior 38 such that the blocking wall 52 of the insert 50 is offset from the back wall 62 of the cooking container 32. This clearance between the blocking wall 52 and the back wall 62 defines an air duct 74 within the cooking container 32, separate from the cooking volume, and through which air is circulated during operation of the cooking system 20. In an embodiment, a contour of the cooking container 32 facilitates positioning of the insert 50 relative to the cooking container 32. As previously described, one or more protrusions 64 extend from a bottom surface of the insert 50, and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32 may be contoured to define one or more channels 68 therein. When the insert 50 is positioned within the cooking container 32, the one or more protrusions 64 are received within the one or more channels 68. The engagement between the at least one protrusion 64 and the sidewalls of the channel(s) 68 properly positions the insert 50 within the cooking container 32 to create a suitably sized air duct 74.

The cooking system 20 additionally includes at least one heating element 70 operable to impart heat to the cooking volume during one or more modes of operation of the cooking system 20. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-5, the at least one heating element 70 is positioned within the internal compartment 28, generally at or above an upper extent or surface 72 of the cooking container 32, such as proximate a center of the cooking container 32 for example. In an embodiment, the heating element 70 is disposed adjacent a center of the cooking volume and/or the cooking container 32. In such embodiments, the at least one heating element 70 is mounted completely outside of the cooking container 32, and vertically offset from the upper extent or surface 72 thereof. In another embodiment, best shown in FIG. 3, the at least one heating element 70 may be located adjacent the rear of the internal compartment 28, such as in vertical alignment with the air duct 74 formed between the blocking wall 52 of the insert 50 and the back wall 62 of the cooking container 32. However, it should be understood that a heating element 70 located at any suitable location is within the scope of the disclosure.

The at least one heating element 70 may be capable of performing any suitable type of heat generation. For example, a heating element 70 configured to heat one or more food items located within the cooking volume of the cooking container 32 via conduction, convection, radiation, and induction are all within the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the heating element 70 is a convective heating element, and the cooking system 20 additionally includes an air movement mechanism 76, such as a fan for example, operable to circulate air through the cooking volume. The air is heated as it flows along a path of circulation, such as by flowing over a portion of the at least one heating element 70. As shown, the air movement mechanism 76 is located within the internal compartment 28 at a position entirely above the upper extent 72 of the cooking container 32. In addition, at least a portion of the air movement mechanism 76, and in some embodiment, the entirety of the air movement mechanism 76, is disposed vertically above the cooking volume, and therefore the insert 50. As shown, the air movement mechanism 76 is horizontally offset from the at least one heating element 70. However, embodiments where the air movement mechanism 76 vertically or horizontally overlaps or is aligned with the at least one heating element 70 are also contemplated herein.

The air movement mechanism 76, or at least a portion thereof may be removable from the internal compartment. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the air movement mechanism 76 is driven by a motor 78 located at least partially externally to the internal compartment 28. Further, the cooking system 20 may include a vent 80 (see FIG. 11) for exhausting hot air generated by operation of at least one of the air movement mechanism 76 or the motor 78 to the exterior of the cooking system 20. Although the vent 80 is illustrated as being formed at the rear of the internal compartment 28, embodiments where the vent 80 is formed at another location are also contemplated herein.

An example of the air movement mechanism 76 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the air movement mechanism 76 includes a fan wheel 82 positioned within a fan housing 84. As shown, the fan wheel 82 is configured to rotate about an axis X oriented generally horizontally, and in some embodiments, the axis of the fan wheel is oriented perpendicular to the translational axis along which the cooking container 32 is configured to move relative to the housing 22. The fan housing 84 has an outer wall 86 having a scroll-shaped length, a first sidewall 88 including a first inlet aperture 90 and a second sidewall (not shown) including a second inlet aperture. Although the outlet opening 92 of the fan housing 84 is illustrated as being generally rectangular in shape, embodiments where the outlet opening 92 is another shape are also contemplated herein.

With specific reference now to FIG. 6, the fan wheel 82 is typically formed with first wheel portion 94 and a second wheel portion 96. Both the first wheel portion 94 and the second wheel portion 96 function as an air inlet and are configured to provide air to a single plenum. The air inlet defined by the first wheel portion 94 is arranged in a first plane at a first side of the air movement mechanism 76 and the air inlet defined by the second wheel portion 96 is arranged in a second plane at a second side of the air movement mechanism 76, the first and second planes being generally parallel. Accordingly, the air inlets defined by the first and second wheel portions 94, 96 remain generally fixed relative to both the fan housing 84 and an axis of rotation of the fan wheel 82. The first wheel portion 94 includes a first plurality of impeller blades 98 and the second wheel portion 96 similarly includes a second plurality of impeller blades 100. One or both of the first plurality and the second plurality of impeller blades 98, 100 may have a backward curved configuration, a forward curved configuration, or another configuration.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a control panel or user interface 102 may be positioned at an exterior surface of the housing 22. The control panel 102 includes one or more inputs 104 associated with energizing the heating element 70 of the cooking system 20 and for selecting various modes of operation of the cooking system 20. One or more of the inputs 104 may include a light or other indicator to show that the respective input has been selected. The control panel 102 may additionally include a display 106 separate from and associated with the at least one input 104. However, embodiments where the display 106 is integrated into the at least one input 104 are also contemplated herein.

Operation of the one or more inputs 104 will be described in more detail below. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control system 108 of the cooking system 20 including a controller or processor 110 for controlling operation of the heating element 70 and air movement device 76 (including the motor 78 associated therewith), and in some embodiments for executing stored sequences of heating operation. The processor 110 is operably coupled to the control panel 102 and to the heating element 70 and the air movement mechanism 76.

In addition, the cooking system 20 may include one or more sensors S for monitoring one or more parameters associated with the temperature of the heating element 70, the cooking volume, the airflow being delivered to the cooking volume and/or and the insert 50 positioned within the cooking container 32 during a cooking operation. Accordingly, operation of the cooking system 20, and in particular of the one or more heating elements 70, may be regulated in response to the parameters sensed by the one or more sensors S. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors S includes a temperature sensor arranged in communication with the processor 110. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor(s) S, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor for example, is positioned adjacent the rear of the internal compartment 28, upstream from the air duct 74 defined between the back wall 62 of the cooking container 32 and the blocking wall 52 of the insert 50. In embodiments of the cooking system 20 including one or more temperature sensors S, adjustment of an operating parameter, such as operation of the heating element 70 for example, may be performed using the control algorithm in response to the temperature of the heated airflow, measured by the temperature sensor S disposed in the heated airflow. For example, power provided to the heating element 70 may be increased if the sensed airflow temperature is below a set point, and the power provided to the heating element 70 may be reduced or ceased completely if the sensed airflow temperature is above a set point, thereby allowing the cooking volume to cool.

In an embodiment, the air movement mechanism 76 of the cooking system 20 is a variable speed fan operable at a plurality of rotational speeds. In an embodiment, the operational speed of the air movement mechanism 76 may vary based on the cooking mode selected. For example, the speed of the air movement mechanism 76 during operation in a first cooking mode may be different than the speed of the air movement mechanism 76 during operation in a second cooking mode. The operational speed of the air movement mechanism 76 may be controlled by the processor 110 in response to one or more inputs 104, including selection of a cooking mode. However, the processor 110 may also be configured to adjust the operational speed of the air movement mechanism 76, or alternatively, the power supplied to the at least one heating elements 70 to control the temperature and/or pressure within the interior 38 of the cooking container 32.

In an embodiment, at least one input 104 on the control panel 102 is an on/off button which allows the user to activate or deactivate the control panel 102. When the control panel 102 is deactivated, the one or more heating elements 70 are not energized. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one input 104 is operable to select one or more manual modes of operation of the heating element 70. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one input 104 is operable to select a stored sequence of operation of the heating element 70. In some cases, the stored sequences may be particularly well suited for a given method of food preparation and/or for particular ingredients or types of ingredients. The plurality of stored sequences associated with the at least one input 104 may be stored within a memory accessible by the processor 110. Alternatively, the plurality of stored sequences may be stored remotely from the cooking system 20, and may be accessed by the processor 110, such as via wireless communication for example.

In addition, a user may be able to enter a time associated with operation of the cooking system 20 in a desired manual mode. The time may be entered via the same input 104 or a separate input 104 as used to select a mode of operation. Further in embodiments where the cooking system 20 is in a mode configured to perform a stored sequence in response to selection of one of the inputs 104, the display 106 may indicate a time remaining. Temperature or other parameters may also be entered via inputs 104 and/or shown on the display 106.

The at least one input 104 may include a distinct start button intended to initiate operation in a desired mode, a distinct stop button to cease all operation, or a stop/start button intended to initiate and cease functions. Alternatively, the cooking system 20 may be operable to automatically start operation after a predetermined time has elapsed once an input 104 has been selected and any necessary information has been provided to the control panel 102. Alternatively, one or more of the other inputs 104 may be operable to start and stop operation of the cooking system 20, regardless of whether the cooking system 20 is following a stored sequence or is in a manual mode.

As previously noted, the one or more inputs 104 may be operable to initiate operation of the cooking system 20 in a plurality of cooking modes. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 is operable in a cooking mode where the heating element 70 is employed to perform a non-contact heating operation, such as a convective or radiative heating operation. Suitable cooking operations that may be performed in this first cooking mode include, but are not limited to air frying, broiling, baking/roasting, and dehydrating.

During operation in the first cooking mode, the air movement mechanism 76 is operable to circulate a heated air flow through the cooking volume. As previously described, the air movement mechanism 76 is operable to draw air upwards, through the adjacent heating element 70 and into the two inlets arranged at opposing sides of the fan wheel 82. The heated air is expelled outwardly from the outlet opening 92 of the fan housing 84 in a single direction. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the air output from the air movement mechanism 76 is provided within a plane directed downwardly into the cooking container 32. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the outlet opening 92 arranged directly adjacent the upper extent 72 of the cooking container 32, such that the air is expelled from the outlet opening 92 directly into the air duct 74 formed within the cooking container 32. Once the heated air reaches the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32, the hot air will be deflected off the bottom surface 58 towards the cooking volume. Because the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32 is sloped, the interaction between the heated air and the sloped bottom surface 58 directs the heated air both forwards and upwardly, causing the air to evenly distribute from the back to the front of the cooking container 32 before passing through the openings 56 formed in the food support surface 54 of the insert 50. The hot air is drawn by the air movement mechanism 76 through the openings 56 and over the exterior of the food items positioned on the food support surface 54. From within the cooking volume, the air is then drawn back into one of the inlets of the air movement mechanism 76 for further circulation within the interior 28.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-15, in an embodiment of the cooking system 20, the housing 22 includes a plurality of internal compartments arranged within the interior of the housing 22. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 15, the housing 22 is illustrated as having a first internal compartment 28 a and a second internal compartment 28 b, separated from one another at least in part by a divider or wall 130. In embodiments where the cooking system includes a plurality of internal compartments, a distinct cooking zone may be associated with each internal compartment. For example, a first cooking zone is located at the first internal compartment 28 a and a second cooking zone is located at the second internal compartment 28 b. The divider 130 extends vertically from a base of the housing or liner 30 and forms a sidewall of a bottom portion of two adjacent internal compartments 28 a, 28 b. In an embodiment, the divider 130 extends to a lower edge of an upper portion of each internal compartment 28 a, 28 b, the upper portion of each internal compartment containing the respective heating element 70 a, 70 b, and air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b associated therewith. As shown, the plurality of internal compartments 28 a, 28 b (both the upper and lower portions) are fluidly separate from one another. Although two internal compartments 28 a, 28 b are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that embodiments including any number of internal compartments, such as more than two compartments are also within the scope of the disclosure. The plurality of internal compartments 28 a, 28 b may be substantially similar in size and shape, or alternatively, may be different.

Each of the internal compartments 28 a, 28 b formed in the housing 22 may be substantially identical to the internal compartment 28 previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-6. More specifically, a respective cooking container 32 a, 32 b is insertable into each internal compartment 28 a, 28 b, and an insert 50 a, 50 b may be removably installed within the interior 38 a, 38 b of each cooking container 32 a, 32 b. In addition, each internal compartment 28 a, 28 b includes at least one heating element 70 a, 70 b and an air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b configured to circulate air through the internal compartment 28 a, 28 b, respectively. The components associated with operation of each internal compartment, such as the heating element and air movement mechanism are also independently operable and fluidly separate from the components of the adjacent internal compartment.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, each air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b is illustrated as a fan wheel or impeller 82 that is configured to rotate about a generally vertically oriented axis. The air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b need not include a separate housing as previously described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. As shown, the air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b may be stacked vertically relative to the heating element 70 a, 70 b such that a flow of air is configured to flow from the heating element 70 a, 70 b directly to the air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b sequentially. The axial flow of air provided to the inlet of the air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b is expelled from the impeller 82 a, 82 b radially, adjacent the sides of the internal compartment 28. Although this configuration of the air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b is illustrated with respect to an embodiment of the cooking system 20 including a plurality of fluidly distinct internal compartments 28 a, 28 b, it should be understood that such an air movement mechanism 76 may also be used in embodiments of the cooking system 20 including only a single internal compartment 28.

As noted above, the cooking system 20 includes a motor 78 located external to the internal compartment 28 and operable to rotate an air movement mechanism 76 about an axis of rotation X. With reference to FIGS. 8-12, in embodiments of the cooking system 20 including two distinct internal compartments, a single motor 78 may be used to drive both a first air movement mechanism 76 a associated with the first internal compartment 28 a and a second air movement mechanism 76 b associated with the second internal compartment 28 b. In such embodiments, the motor 78 may be disposed within the housing 22 between the first and second compartments 28 a, 28 b, such that the first air movement mechanism 76 a is mounted to a first output shaft 120 extending from a first side of the motor 78 and the second air movement mechanism 76 b is mounted to a second output shaft 122 extending from a second side of the motor 78. As a result, the first air movement mechanism 76 a and the second air movement mechanism 76 b may be positioned coaxially (see FIG. 10). However, embodiments, where the axis of rotation X1 of the first air movement mechanism 76 a is offset from the axis of rotation X2 of the second air movement mechanism 76 b are also contemplated herein.

Because a single motor 78 is used to drive both the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b, in an embodiment, both the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b are driven about their axes, even when only one of the first and second internal compartment 28 a, 28 b is being used to perform a cooking operation. Accordingly, an air movement mechanism 76 may rotate about its axis even when the adjacent heating mechanism 70 associated therewith is non-operational. In other embodiments, the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b may be independently operable via a shared motor 78. Further, in an embodiment, the motor 78 is operable to rotate the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b, at the same speed. However, embodiments where the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b, are rotated at different speeds, such as via a coupling for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure.

However, it should be understood that embodiments of the cooking system 20 that include a separate motor associated with each internal compartment are also within the scope of the disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the system 20 includes two separate motors 78 a, 78 b configured to operate the air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b associated with the first and second internal compartments 28 a, 28 b independently. In such embodiments, each motor 78 a, 78 b may be located external to the internal compartment 28, for example in a vertically stacked configuration relative to the heating elements 70 a, 70 b, and the air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b. In such embodiments, the motors 78 a, 78 b may be located near an upper end or top surface of the housing 22.

In embodiments of the cooking system 20 including a plurality of internal compartments, a single control system 108, as previously described with respect to FIG. 7, may be suitable to selectively perform one or more cooking operations associated with both the first internal compartment 28 a and the second internal compartment 28 b. Accordingly, the same inputs 104 may be used to provide control for the plurality of internal compartments 28 a, 28 b, or alternatively, distinct inputs 104 may be associated with each of the plurality of internal compartments 28 a, 28 b, respectively. In such embodiments, the control panel may be used to control a cooking operation of only a single cooking zone at a time.

With reference now to the flow diagram of FIG. 16, in an embodiment, the cooking system 20 is operable in a “synchronized” mode in which the cooking operations associated with two or more of the plurality of cooking zones of the cooking system 20 are completed simultaneously. To synchronize operation of a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone, a user selects one or more parameters associated with the cooking operation to be performed in at least one of the first cooking zone and the second cooking zone, respectively. Examples of the parameters provided by a user include, but are not limited to a function or type of cooking operation to be performed, a temperature of the cooking operation, and a time of the cooking operation.

The cooking system 20 can enter the synchronized mode of operation, such as via a distinct input on the control panel 108, at any time prior to starting a cooking operation. More specifically, as shown in the FIG., the system 20 may enter the synchronized mode of operation after a user has selected one or more parameters associated with the cooking operations to be performed in one or both of the first and second cooking zones of the cooking system 20. Alternatively, a user may select operation of the cooking system 20 in the synchronized mode prior to entering the operational parameters for one or more of the respective cooking operations. However, in an embodiment, the cooking system 20 cannot enter the synchronized mode of operation after a cooking operation associated with one of the plurality of cooking zones has been initiated. In other embodiments, the cooking system 20 may be transformable to the synchronized mode of operation even after a cooking operation in the first cooking zone has begun if the time remaining for the cooking operation already in process is greater than the time selected for a cooking operation to be performed in the second cooking zone and that has not yet begun.

With continued reference to FIG. 16, in response to receiving a signal to initiate or start a cooking operation, such as provided via an input, the processor will initiate one or more of the selected cooking operations. Regardless of whether the cooking system 20 is in the synchronized mode, in embodiments where the cooking times for the cooking operations associated with both the first cooking zone and the second cooking zone are equal, both cooking operations will be initiated at the same time, in response to the signal. However, in the synchronized mode, in embodiments where the cooking times are different, the start of one of the cooking operations, such as the second cooking operation associated with the second cooking zone for example, will be delayed relative to the start of the other of the cooking operation, such as the first cooking operation to be performed in the first cooking zone. In an embodiment, the processor will initiate or start the cooking operation requiring the greater time in response to the signal. In such embodiments, the second, shorter cooking operation is initiated only once the remaining time of the first cooking operation is equal to the time required to perform the second cooking operation. This second, shorter cooking operation may be automatically initiated by the processor in response to the time remaining. This second cooking operation is considered to be paused or on hold during the time when only the first cooking operation being performed.

When the remaining time associated with the first cooking operation, already in progress, and the time required to perform the cooking operation on hold are equal, the cooking system 20 may be configured to indicate to the user the start of the second cooking operation. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 may provide a visual or audible indicator that operation of the second cooking operation has begun. Further, if one of the cooking operations is paused when the cooking system 20 is in the synchronized mode, all of the selected cooking operations may be paused to prevent the selected cooking operations associated with each of the plurality of cooking zones from becoming unsynchronized. For example, a cooking operation may be paused in response to moving the cooking container out of engagement with a contactor or microswitch, such as by removing the cooking container from the internal compartment of the housing. However, in other embodiments, the operational time of a cooking operation may continue even when the cooking container is removed from the housing 22.

With reference now to FIG. 17, alternatively, or in addition, the cooking system 20 may be operable in a “match” mode in which the cooking operation associated with a first cooking zone mirrors the cooking operation associated with at least a second cooking zone. The cooking system 20 can enter the match mode of operation, such as via a distinct input on the control panel 108, at any time prior to or during a cooking operation. In an embodiment, match mode is selectable before the parameters of a cooking operation associated with any of the cooking zones has been entered. In such embodiments, the cooking operation and corresponding parameters entered into the system, such as time and temperature for example, are applied to the plurality of cooking zones of the cooking system. In embodiments where the cooking system has more than two cooking zones, the cooking operation may be applied to two or more of the cooking zones. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 may enter the match mode after a user has selected one or more parameters associated with a cooking operation to be performed in one or both of the first and second cooking zones of the cooking system 20. In embodiments where the parameters of only a first cooking operation associated with a first cooking zone have been entered prior to entering the match mode, as shown in FIG. 17, one or more other cooking zones of the cooking system 20, such as the second cooking zone for example, will be populated with the same cooking operation and corresponding parameters as entered relative to the first cooking zone. In embodiments where both a first cooking operation and cooking parameters associated with a first cooking zone and a second cooking operation and cooking parameters associated with a second cooking zone have been selected prior to entering the match mode, the settings associated with the first cooking zone will copy to and overwrite the settings associated with the second cooking zone.

In response to receiving a signal to initiate or start a cooking operation, such as provided via an input, the processor will initiate the cooking operation of each of the matched cooking zones. Because the cooking operation and corresponding cooking parameters are identical for each of the matched zones, the cooking operations will be completed at the same time. Further, a user may adjust the cooking parameters to the plurality of matched cooking zones simultaneously. For example, a user may adjust the time and/or temperature via one or more inputs of the control panel 108, and in response, the settings for both of the cooking zones will adjust in unison.

As previously described, each internal compartment 28 a, 28 b of the system 20 has a heating element 70 a, 70 b operable to heat a respective cooking zone. In an embodiment, each of these heating elements has a maximum power of 1600 W; however, embodiments where the heating elements 70 a, 70 b have another maximum power are also within the scope of the disclosure. During operation, the power may be distributed equally between the plurality of heating elements 70 a, 70 b.

With reference now to FIG. 18, in an embodiment, the cooking system 20 may be operable in a “power synchronization” mode in which power is distributed to the heating elements 70 a, 70 b, as necessary, to maximize the efficiency of the cooking system 20. This controlled distribution may occur automatically when operation of two cooking zones of the cooking system 20 is selected. Alternatively, the distribution may occur in response to selection of an input of the user interface. As described above, a user may select a first temperature associated with a cooking operation to be performed in the first cooking zone and a second temperature associated with a cooking operation to be performed in the second cooking zone. When operation of the cooking system 20 is initiated, and both of the cooking zones are starting at the same temperature, the available power may be equally distributed to the heating elements 70 a, 70 b of the selected cooking zones.

When the first and second temperatures are different, for example the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, once the first, lower temperature within the first cooking zone is achieved, the power delivered to the heating element 70 a associated with the first cooking zone may be adjusted. In an embodiment, once the selected temperature is reached, the power provided to the heating element 70 a associated with the first cooking zone is reduced to the minimum power required to maintain the temperature within the first cooking zone at the selected first temperature. With such an adjustment, the resulting excess available power may be redistributed to the heating element 70 b associated with the second cooking zone having the second, higher temperature. For example, the first heating element 70 a may require only 480 W or 30% of the available power to maintain the first temperature within the first cooking zone.

The excess power, such as the 20% power resulting from reducing the power of the first heating element 70 a, may be provided to or transferred to the second heating element 70 b. In such embodiments, when the first cooking zone is at the selected first temperature, but the second cooking zone has not yet reached the selected second temperature, the first heating element 70 a will receive 30% of the available power and the second heating element 70 b will receive 70% of the available power, such as 1120 W for example. The cooking system 20 may adjust the remaining cooking time associated with the second cooking zone, for example displayed on the user interface, to reflect the additional power that is being provided to the second heating element 70 b. However, in embodiments where the second cooking zone is already at the selected second temperature, the power distribution between the first and second heating elements 70 a, 70 b will remain equal. It should be understood that the percentages of the power provided to the heating elements 70 a, 70 b illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only and that any distribution of the available power is contemplated herein.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooking system comprising: a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone; and at least one heating element associated with said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone; wherein said cooking system is operable in a synchronized mode, and in said synchronized mode a first cooking operation performed in said first cooking zone and a second cooking operation performed in said second cooking zone are synchronized to be completed simultaneously.
 2. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein in said synchronized mode, said first cooking operation is initiated prior to said second cooking operation.
 3. The cooking system of claim 2, wherein a time required to perform said first cooking operation is longer than a time required to perform said second cooking operation.
 4. The cooking system of claim 3, wherein said second cooking operation is initiated when a remaining time of said first cooking operation is equal to said time required to perform said second cooking operation.
 5. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein a time required to perform said first cooking operation is different than a time required to perform said second cooking operation.
 6. The cooking system of claim 1, further comprising at least one air movement mechanism disposed in said housing.
 7. The cooking system of claim 6, further comprising a motor operable to rotate said air movement mechanism about an axis of rotation.
 8. The cooking system of claim 7, wherein said motor is located at least partially external to at least one of said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone.
 9. The cooking system of claim 7, further comprising a first air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said first cooking zone and a second air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said second cooking zone.
 10. The cooking system of claim 9, wherein said motor includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft, said first air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said first output shaft and said second air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said second output shaft.
 11. A cooking system comprising: a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone; and at least one heating element associated with said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone; wherein said cooking system is operable in a match mode, and in said match mode a user input for a first cooking operation performed in said first cooking zone will automatically be implemented for a second cooking operation performed in said second cooking.
 12. The cooking system of claim 11, wherein in said match mode, one or more parameters of said second cooking operation are copied from said first cooking operation.
 13. The cooking system of claim 11, wherein in said match mode said first cooking operation and said second cooking operation are initiated simultaneously and are completed simultaneously.
 14. The cooking system of claim 11, further comprising at least one air movement mechanism disposed in said housing.
 15. The cooking system of claim 14, further comprising a motor operable to rotate said at least one air movement mechanism about an axis of rotation.
 16. The cooking system of claim 15, wherein said motor is located at least partially external to at least one of said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone.
 17. The cooking system of claim 15, further comprising a first air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said first cooking zone and a second air movement mechanism arranged in fluid communication with said second cooking zone.
 18. The cooking system of claim 17, wherein said motor includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft, said first air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said first output shaft and said second air movement mechanism being operably coupled to said second output shaft.
 19. The cooking system of claim 11, wherein said at least one heating element is a first heating element operable to heat said first cooking zone and a second heating element operable to heat said second cooking zone.
 20. A cooking system comprising: a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone; and a first heating element associated with said first cooking zone and a second heating element associated with said second cooking zone; wherein said cooking system is operable in a power synchronization mode, and in said power synchronization mode, power is transferred from said first heating element to said second heating element at a desired stage of a cooking operation.
 21. The cooking system of claim 20, wherein said desired stage of a cooking operation is a heating operation.
 22. The cooking system of claim 21, wherein the cooking system is at said desired stage when said first cooking zone reaches a first predetermined temperature and said second cooking zone is below a second predetermined temperature.
 23. The cooking system of claim 20, wherein at said desired stage of said cooking operation, said power provided to said second heating element is greater than said power provided to said first heating element.
 24. A cooking system comprising: a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone; and a first heating element operable to perform a first cooking operation in said first cooking zone and a second heating element operable to perform a second cooking operation in said second cooking zone; wherein said cooking system is operable in a power synchronization mode, and in said power synchronization mode, a cooking time of said second cooking operation is adjustable in response to reaching a parameter of said first cooking operation.
 25. The cooking system of claim 24, wherein said cooking time is reduced in response to said reaching said parameter of said first cooking operation.
 26. The cooking system of claim 24, wherein said parameter of said first cooking operation is a selected temperature.
 27. The cooking system of claim 24, wherein in response to said reaching said parameter of said first cooking operation, power is transferred from said first heating element to said second heating element. 